Sensor Networks, a local technology company based in Cape Town, announces the development and release of Sensor.Energy, an innovative online platform that was designed to help South African households manage rising electricity costs following a number of changes to Eskom’s energy tariff structures.
With electricity prices expected to increase by up to 36% in 2025, households face energy bill increases if they fail to adapt their electricity consumption habits to Eskom’s new billing system.
The Sensor.Energy platform includes access to the Sensor Connect mobile app, enabling real-time home energy management through your smartphone.
The app was developed to help homeowners monitor and schedule energy-intensive appliances like geysers, pool pumps, and washing machines.
For instance, a pool pump programmed to run during off-peak hours can save families hundreds of rands each month.
Understanding Eskom’s proposed changes to the retail tariff plan
The time-of-use tariff structure (TOU) proposed by Eskom means that electricity prices will fluctuate based on the time of day, with peak periods costing up to six times more than off-peak periods under Eskom’s proposed 6:1 TOU ratio.
Electricity usage during times of low demand (e.g., late at night or midday) will be cheaper, because it costs less to generate and distribute electricity during these periods. During high-demand times like in the morning or evenings, the grid experiences more strain, and electricity is therefore costlier to produce.
TOU tariffs are designed to encourage consumers to shift energy use to less congested times, easing pressure on the national grid.
Without tools like the Sensor Connect app, many households may find it challenging to adjust, leading to higher bills during peak times.
In Europe, countries like Germany have successfully implemented TOU tariffs, leveraging technology and incentives to drive energy efficiency.
In Germany, smart meters paired with app-based management tools allow households to shift energy consumption to off-peak periods, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact.
These strategies have helped the country achieve significant reductions in residential energy use while supporting renewable energy adoption.
South Africa has a similar opportunity to embrace these systems and empower consumers to become more energy-conscious.
Making TOU tariffs work for South Africans
“As South Africa transitions to time-of-use tariffs inline with many countries around the world, managing energy consumption is no longer optional—it’s essential,” says Mark Allewell, CEO and Founder of Sensor Networks. “A typical family consuming 800 kWh per month could see their bill increase from R2,000 to R2,720. The Sensor Connect app ensures that families stay ahead of these hikes by intelligently scheduling appliance use and optimizing energy consumption.”
The app makes TOU tariffs manageable by enabling users to:
- Schedule appliances to run during off-peak hours automatically.
- Monitor real-time energy use, providing visibility into which devices consume the most electricity, and when.
- Receive actionable insights to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The power of AI-driven energy management in SA
Sensor.Energy also aims to introduce AI-powered dynamic energy management in coming months, making electricity savings effortless for consumers. By activating AI through the sensor connect app, households can automate decisions like appliance scheduling, load shifting, and optimizing energy use based on real-time electricity prices and weather patterns.
“AI simplifies the complexities of TOU tariffs,” Allewell adds. “Families can activate the system with a single click, letting it learn their habits and make adjustments for maximum savings.”
The Sensor Connect app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Sensor Networks’ website, making energy management accessible to all South Africans.
Combined with Sensor Connect Smart Plugs, this innovative solution will help citizens manage their household electricity use, save money, and adapt to the demands of TOU tariffs.
Sensor Networks reaffirms its committment to helping South African families achieve energy efficiency, reduce financial strain, and navigate the country’s evolving energy landscape with confidence.
